What are Mayo’s Current Success Rates per Various Stages?

From Pancam
https://pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/about-pancreatic-cancer/survival-rate/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoK2mBhDzARIsADGbjerqFBfo9EnaQhEI3wxmd0atrt6NjdH9LUs5XUPDyn5yYsecgQChLZoaAiuHEALw_wcB#bystage
From the American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html

I was advised that the prognosis is revised as things go along and the response to treatment is seen. I am seen at MSKCC. It is a journey. I have had a good response to treatment, prognosis is uncertain and I focus on today and let go of the future.

mike,

Pancreatic cancer is very complex in that there are several locations, genetic predispositions, physical responses are different, ages, physical conditions, additional medical conditions and various treatments including various chemo and radiation therapies. The overall statistics overall are not good anywhere - but, there is IMO one thing that does increase survival rates: treatment at a center of excellence where they specialize in pancreatic cancer where you are able to stay there during treatment, IMO relocate if necessary to be near that center for ALL treatment.

Is Mayo Rochester a ‘Center of Excellence’? We live in St.Paul, 70 miles north. Thanks.

Absolutely. I believe Mayo Rochester, Anderson (Houston), MSK - I don't want to sound like I understand the differences between these and others that may also consider themselves centers of excellence.

Given you are within driving distance - and could therefor have chemo and radiation therapy at Mayo, it sounds ideal.

Review the surgeons at each location - contact pancan.org.

I researched centers when I was diagnosed and I chose Mayo in Rochester because of its success stories. I had 12 rounds of Folfirinox, then a three week rest, 15 rounds of radiation with oral chemo, then a three week rest and finally my Whipple on December 6, 2022. I am 8 months post Whipple tomorrow and I feel fabulous and so Blessed to be alive. The main reason I wanted Mayo was because of my surgical oncologist, Dr. Mark Truty. He has a huge reputation. The first time I met him and shook his hand, an electrical current went up my arm. It happened again the morning of surgery when he came in to see if I was ready. The current shot up my arm again. I told him God was with him and that I would be fine and I was. I have had no problems before of since treatment to date. My scan June 29th was clear and my CA-19-9 was down to 3. God works in mysterious ways, but it is my belief he works through Dr. Truty for sure. Good luck with your treatment and may God bless you as well!

dgo,

It sounds as if you relocated to the Rochester area for CHT and CRT treatments prior to your Whipple?

I am a resident of Arizona but I still spend summers in Minnesota so I have a home in St. Cloud and would drive to Rochester for treatment. I stayed in a hotel when needed. I spent the fall and winter in St. Cloud during treatment. It was totally worth it for excellent, world-renown care. I would suggest giving yourself the best care available and I believe that to be Mayo in Rochester. Mayo in Arizona was minimal by comparison. I had my port installed there and one chemo treatment before heading to Minnesota.

@mikewdby, here's more information about Mayo Clinic rankings and pancreatic cancer care at Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20355431

My husband was diagnosed at Stage 2B. He underwent Whipple surgery at MSK in Nov 2022 and chemo for 6 months elsewhere. His most scan was clear. However, now he has assorted joint pains( shoulders, knees, hips) and we're unsure if this is the result of chemo. Appreciate anyone's input.